Reverend Abraham Burnham

Rev. Abraham Burnham served this church for 43 years from 1808 to 1850. During this service, he received 403 people into the church, conducted 654 baptisms, 650 funerals, and united 1208 people in marriage.

Rev. Burnham had a keen interest in foreign missions and the church, through his leadership, contributed more to this cause than any other churches in the vicinity. Two of his nurtured young people became missionaries.

Much of the success of the Academy (forerunner of our present Pembroke Academy) was due to his influence and devotion to educational ideals. He often served as adviser to the founder, Dr. Abel Blanchard, who also served the church as President of the Board of Trustees. The morals of the school were high and strict, and the reading of the studying of the Holy scriptures long held a place in school exercises.

Rev. Burnham was much admired by the people of the town. His comforting manner, humbleness and devotion to his church and community are often referred to in early histories of the church and town.